WASHINGTON, DC – Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) is pleased to announce eight award recipients for its 2017 National Estuaries Week Gulf of Mexico CITGO Grant Program. Each of the selected projects will support the mission of National Estuaries Week by conducting hands-on restoration projects, coastal clean-ups, and estuary education events.

The following groups will receive funds to support their National Estuaries Week events:

Recipients include local government agencies and nonprofits who will use these funds to engage more than 3400 volunteers who will collect more than 146,000 pounds of trash, clean nearly 450 miles of shorelines, restore 65 acres of coastal land, and plant 2100 trees. Jeff Benoit, President and CEO of RAE, commented:

“We were impressed by the strength, caliber, and scope of the applications we received this year for funding support. The projects selected will help expand the reach and impact of National Estuaries Week in the Gulf of Mexico and we are proud to partner again with CITGO Petroleum Corporation to offer this opportunity. This grant program is an effective way to engage communities and organizations to participate, increase awareness of the importance of estuaries, and instill a sense of stewardship in our volunteers that extends far beyond this week-long celebration.”

Since 1988, National Estuaries Week has celebrated the many ways we benefit from healthy, thriving coastal ecosystems. All throughout the country, local organizations plan special events to recognize the role these unique places play in our everyday lives. National Estuaries Week is a terrific opportunity to learn more about estuaries and the perfect excuse to spend time near your local coast! You can learn more by visiting www.nationalestuariesweek.org.

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Restore America's Estuaries (RAE) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1995. RAE leads a national alliance of ten coastal conservation organizations across the country dedicated to the protection andrestoration of bays andestuariesas essential resources for our nation. www.estuaries.org.